Plum Cake (Lenten)
Plum and Heart Cake - a delicious and simple recipe
Who doesn't love the sweet and slightly tart aroma of fresh plums, wrapped in tender dough and decorated with hearts? This plum cake recipe is a perfect choice for any time of the day, whether it's a weekend dessert, a gathering with friends, or just a simple indulgence. Let's get started!
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 pack of margarine (Delma), at room temperature
- 15 tablespoons of flour
- 7 tablespoons of water
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder extinguished with a few drops of vinegar
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar
For the filling:
- 1 kg of very ripe and juicy plums
- 250 g of semolina
- 10 tablespoons of granulated sugar
For decoration:
- Powdered sugar, approx. 20 g
Step by step
1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the soft margarine, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Mix well until the mixture becomes creamy. This step is essential for achieving a tender and aromatic dough.
2. Adding dry ingredients:
Gradually incorporate the flour and the baking powder extinguished with vinegar, mixing continuously. Finally, add the water and knead the dough until it becomes elastic. If you find the dough too sticky, add a little more flour. Once you have achieved the desired consistency, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
3. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, wash the plums, remove the pits, and cut them into small pieces. Use a food processor to turn them into a fine paste. Add the 10 tablespoons of sugar and semolina, mixing well. It is normal for the mixture to be a little more liquid, as the semolina will absorb moisture during baking.
4. Assembling the cake:
After the dough has been in the refrigerator, take it out and divide it into two parts: 1/4 for the hearts and 3/4 for the base layer. On a floured surface, roll out the dough and place it in a greased baking pan.
5. Adding the filling:
Spread the plum filling evenly over the dough, leveling it with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
6. Decorating with hearts:
Roll out the remaining dough on the work surface and use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out hearts of various sizes. Carefully place them over the plum filling, creating a special effect.
7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature, then place the pan inside. Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes or until the hearts turn golden and crispy.
8. Finishing:
Once the cake is ready, let it cool slightly before dusting it with powdered sugar. This will add an elegant look and a sweet touch.
9. Serving:
Cut the cake into servings and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. It can be served warm or cold, and the taste will be equally delicious.
Useful tips
- Choosing plums: Choose very ripe and juicy plums for the filling, as they will provide an intense and aromatic flavor to the cake. Quality plums will make a difference!
- Alternative with other fruits: If you want to experiment, you can replace the plums with apples or peaches. These alternatives will add a note of diversity and a different flavor to your cake.
- Dough: Make sure the margarine is at room temperature to facilitate the creation of a fine texture. You can also use butter if you prefer, but ensure that the temperature is the same.
- Storage: The cake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a few days, but it is best enjoyed in the first few days after baking.
Nutritional information
This cake contains approximately 300 calories per serving, providing a mix of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, fiber from plums, and fats from margarine. Plums are known for their beneficial effects on digestion and are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but you will need to adjust the proportions of water.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or dough, but this will affect the final taste. Very ripe plums are usually sweet enough to provide the necessary sweetness.
3. Is it suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe by using vegan margarine and replacing the water with a plant-based drink.
Conclusion
The plum and heart cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring joy around the table. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this simple and flavorful recipe will surely impress. Don't forget to enjoy every bite and share the joy of cooking with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: For the dough: 1 pack of margarine (Delma), 15 tablespoons of flour, 7 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of baking powder dissolved in a few drops of vinegar, grated zest of 1 lemon, 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar. For the filling: 1kg of very ripe/juicy plums, 250g of semolina, 10 tablespoons of granulated sugar. For decoration: powdered sugar, about 20g.
